Road widening, flyovers and traffic woes: DC interacts with KCCI

Road widening, flyovers and traffic woes: DC interacts with KCCI

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 08, 2017: Addressing members of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here, DK DC S. Sasikanth Senthil on Dec 7, Thursday said he does not believe in “status quo,” it should either be “do it and fail or succeed.” DC Senthil said he was sure of doing something for the city and the district taking all stakeholders along — what he was unsure was his tenure.

In her introductory address, KCCI President Vathika Pai spelt out a series of works to be done in the district as well as in Mangaluru. They included scientific water management for Mangaluru; addressing traffic congestion issue in the city; promoting tourism in the district; promoting IT; improving city infrastructure; increasing length of runway at Mangaluru International Airport; improving facilities at Mangaluru Central and Junction Railway Stations; development of industries; clarity on Smart City, among other things.

Responding to KCCI suggestions, DC Senthil said there was no concept of planned urbanisation in India so was in Mangaluru. Widening roads and building flyovers would not address traffic congestion; instead they add to the mess. A robust public transport system, including metro, could be the answer for the problem, he said.

The city administrators should provide as much public space as possible to the residents instead of providing infrastructure. Unfortunately, facilities for vehicles have overtaken facilities for the residents, he regretted and assured to work on the direction. Tourism has a huge potential in the district, DC Senthil said, adding it should not be government-only driven.

The DC said he has emulated his Raichur district experience of setting up infrastructure task force under his guidance to bring in coordination among various agencies in creating and maintaining infrastructure. The first meeting was held just on Dec 7 Thursday, DC Senthil said and hoped the task force should help addressing various issues. Clarity among various stakeholders would reduce delay in execution of projects, he said.

He too has set certain priority areas, including scientific solid waste management and coastal protection. Attempts are on to educate people to reduce waste generation as solid waste dumping yards are a menace to the environment, he said.

On the other hand, there is a dire need to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem, he added. He called for a closer look from the civil society at flaws or inherent strengths in city’s master plan formulated by Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Averring that urban development authority plays a major role in defining city’s development now and in the future, he said this is one vital aspect that is glossed over and the urban local body - Mangaluru City Corporation in this case - bears the brunt.